My mentor and friend,

I have found a group to travel with as you wisely counseled. I am unsure yet of the competence of this group, but we have thus far survived several battles and their motives appear to be pure enough. It is quite by lucky chance that they are also working to unravel the mystery behind the rising tensions between the elven and human nations. They are apparently working with an elven noble called Prince Elwynn – one who shares our concerns. This concern have already resulted in an attempt on his life. I think we’re definitely on the same side.

Much is transpiring in the fair city of Ulthalamel. The city’s thief guild is currently split between two factions. Whereas it was originally united as a single organisation under one widely referred to as the Blindking, it has now splintered with the ‘death’ of said king. Two splinter organizations have formed, one naming itself ‘The Club’ and the other under the leadership of a Duchess, who turned out to be the daughter of the Blindking.

While intercepting a meeting held underground in secret tunnels, we have discovered that the thief king have now returned as an undead, who keeps much of the skills he had when he was alive. What manner of undead he is however, is beyond my knowledge. He is immune to lightning, and a normal weapon does not cause as much of a wound on him as one would expect. I am firmly against the existence of this unnatural undead king, which would place my allegiance quite firmly with the Duchess. I believe the Circle would agree. We failed to defeat him, although we managed to recover one Downey character – the person my party is attempting to track down for the Prince.

As I eventually found out, Gavin, the man who attempted to assassinate the Prince, was working with my party escorting a Prince Jaster from the human lands when he suddenly betrayed them all. He was once Downey’s apprentice in an assassin’s guild originating from Risen. Downey on the other hand, was escorting Prince Elwynn from the elven lands. The two princes were attempting to forge a peace accord when the assassination attempt occurred. Considering Gavin and Downey’s connection, Downey quickly became a fugitive in everyone’s eyes.

Most surprisingly however, is that Hawkins, one of my party mates (a human archer) was in turn Gavin’s apprentice. At this point the details became rather puzzling. Throughout my several days traveling with Hawkins, he have not spoken much, nor have he offered the party any information about this guild of assassins. (OOC: DM knowledge, player knowledge. Heh.)

Anyways, moving on. Downey turned out to be a druid. Or at least, he is capable of wild shaping. This assassin’s guild he belongs to appears to be quite diverse in their skill set. Downey spoke of a honor in his assassin’s guild and his disbelief at Gavin’s actions. Unfortunately, the only way to find out who commissioned Gavin’s last mission is to travel to Risen. Before we could make solid plans however, Downey was brutally murdered.

The mystery killer appears to be none other than Hawkins, our very own party mate. The evidence was clear – a bloody longsword that matched the slashes on Downey’s body was found on Hawkins. Hawkins however claims to have no memory of that event. He has been wearing a ring looted off Gavin’s dead body, and considering that two wearers of the ring have acted in ways quite unlike their character, something is likely wrong with the item. I questioned him carefully and found no reason to doubt him – he even offered to be tied up as we figure out the predicament.

Prince Elwynn later sent a wizard to assist us, and he confirmed our suspicions – the ring is capable of mind control. I wonder if you have met this wizard from the Snakeward Tower. You have mentioned this mage community before, but I cannot say that I like this wizard. He actually believes that humans are capable of regrowing limbs and wanted to severe Hawkins’ finger simply to secure the ring for study! He successfully removed the curse on Hawkins, however the ring was destroyed in the process. Considering his expertise on such matters, I was tempted for a moment to request his assistance with my mother’s ring, but I cannot abide by his complete lack of respect for other races. He also carries around a bottle of pearl dust and drinks from it to study magical enchantments…

So there you have it. Quite a mix up of events here. Prince Elwynn is currently working to stabilize the affairs of the region and requested that we stay here. Perhaps the more senior members of the Circle should seek out this Prince and offer him assistance. I will continue to monitor the situation here as requested.

As for my personal growth, I have been practicing casting with the hide armor on as you have instructed me among other things. Despite my distaste for it, my confidence and success is growing. Very soon, I shall be able to fully embrace your lessons. Be proud my friend. (OOC: One more level to become an Arcane Hierophant wooot!)

- Rioden